Marriott Intl to have 100 hotels in India by 2015

Marriott International today announced that it expects to exponentially expand its portfolio from the current 11 to 100 hotels in India within the next five years across seven leading brands. In addition to the introduction of its Ritz-Carlton brand, Marriott growth plans will include the debut of its moderate-tier Fairfield by Marriott brand.

Announced today were recently signed management agreements for seven new hotels that will nearly quadruple Marriott’s presence in India in the next three years. When all signed hotels are opened and added to the company’s portfolio of 11 operating properties and 23 previously announced hotels now under construction, the Marriott portfolio in India will total 41 hotels by 2013. Through this expansion, the company also plans to create more than 8,000 new jobs in India over the next three years, ranging from entry-level to managerial.

“We’re excited to join with our local hotel development partners in contributing to India’s growth and unlimited business potential,” said Arne Sorenson, president and chief operating officer of Marriott International.

“India has the second largest hotel development pipeline in Asia and is expected to double the number of branded hotel rooms over the next three years to approximately 120,000 rooms. We’re thrilled that about 10 per cent of those new rooms are slated to carry a Marriott International brand flag and that we’ll be able to provide thousands of people real career opportunity in an environment where their ideas and talents can flourish.”

Marriott International has operated in India since 1999 with the opening of the Goa Marriott. Today the company is represented in the country by its JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments brands. Another 23 of its hotels are currently under construction and expected to open now through 2013.